Containers for use in the electrostatic spraying of liquids

Abstract

A container for use in the electrostatic spraying of liquids, and a holder suitable for receiving the container. The container has a spray nozzle with at least part of the surface of the spray nozzle being electrically conductive. An electrode is disposed about the nozzle and insulated therefrom. A mounting structure is provided on the holder for locating the container, and separate electrical connections from the nozzle and the electrode to separate contacts on the mounting structure are so placed that when the container is located on the holder by the mounting structure each contact can make connection with one output terminal of a high voltage generator carried by the holder.

I claim: 
     
       1. A container for a liquid to be electrostatically sprayed, suitable for mounting on a holder carrying a high voltage generator having first and second input and output terminals, the container having: a spray nozzle at least part of the surface of which is electrically conductive; an electrode disposed about the nozzle and insulated therefrom; mounting means for locating the container on the holder; and separate electrical connections from the nozzle and the electrode to separate contacts on the mounting means so placed that when the container is located on the holder by the mounting means each contact can make connection with one output terminal of the high voltage generator. 
     
     
       2. A container according to claim 1, which further comprises means for equalising the external and internal pressure during spraying. 
     
     
       3. A container according to claim 2, in which the pressure-equalising means is an air vent. 
     
     
       4. A container according to claim 1 which contains a liquid suitable for electrostatic spraying. 
     
     
       5. A container according to claim 4, in which the liquid is a composition comprising a pesticide in an organic liquid carrier. 
     
     
       6. A container for liquid to be electrostatically sprayed, suitable for mounting on a holder carrying a high voltage generator having first and second input and output terminals; the container being provided with: an electrical storage battery containing sufficient energy to atomise electrostatically the actual or intended contents of the container; mounting means for locating the container on the holder; and separate electrical connections from the poles of the battery to separate contacts on the mounting means so placed that when the container is located on the holder by the mounting means each contact can make electrical connection with one input terminal of the generator. 
     
     
       7. A container according to claim 6, which further comprises a spray nozzle at least part of the surface of which is electrically conductive, an electrode disposed about the nozzle and insulated therefrom, the nozzle and the electrode being disposed to be electrically connected via contacts in the mounting means to opposite output terminals of the generator when the container is located on the holder. 
     
     
       8. A container according to claim 7, wherein the mounting means is provided with three contacts: a first contact for connecting one pole of the battery to the first input terminal of the generator; a second contact for connecting the nozzle to the first output terminal of the generator; and a third contact for connecting the electrode and the second pole of the battery to a conductor on the holder connected to the second input and output terminals of the generator, and capable of connection to earth. 
     
     
       9. A sprayer for the electrostatic spraying of liquids, comprising a holder and a container; said holder comprising a body carrying a high voltage generator with first and second input and output terminals; and mounting means having electrical contacts for connection to the output terminals of the high voltage generator; and   said container comprising a spray nozzle at least part of the surface of which is electrically conductive; an electrode disposed about the nozzle and insulated therefrom; mounting means for locating the container on said holder, said mounting means complementary to said mounting means on said holder; and separate electrical connections from the nozzle and the electrode to separate contacts on said mounting means of said container, said separate electrical connections so placed that when the container is located on said holder by said mounting means each contact can make connection with one output terminal of the said high voltage generator.   
     
     
       10. A sprayer as recited in claim 9 wherein said holder further comprises a conductor for connection of said holder to earth. 
     
     
       11. A sprayer for use in the electrostatic spraying of liquids comprising a holder having a high voltage generator and a container: said container comprising an electrical storage battery containing sufficient energy to atomize electrostatically the actual or intended contents thereof; mounting means for locating said container on said holder; separate electrical connections from the poles of the battery to separate contacts on said mounting means so placed that when said container is located on said holder by said mounting means each contact can make electrical connection with one input terminal of the generator; a spray nozzle at least part of the surface of which is electrically conductive, an electrode disposed about the nozzle and insulated therefrom, the nozzle and the electrode being disposed to be electrically connected via contacts in said mounting means to opposite output terminals of said generator when said container is located on said holder; wherein said mounting means is provided with three contacts: a first contact for connecting one pole of the battery to the first input terminal of the generator; a second contact for connecting the nozzle to the first output terminal of the generator; a third contact for connecting the electrode and the second pole of the battery to a conductor on the holder connected to the second input and output terminals of the generator, and capable of connection to earth; and   said holder comprising a body carrying said high voltage generator with first and second input and output terminals; and mounting means complementary to the mounting means on said container provided with electrical contacts complementary to those on said container for connection to the output terminals of said high voltage generator; a ground conductor for connection to earth; and wherein said mounting means of said holder is provided with three electrical contacts complementary to the three contacts on said container, said three complementary electrical contacts providing electrical connections respectively to: the first generator input terminal; the first generator output terminal; and the second generator input and output terminals and the conductor for connection to earth.